ALGIERS - 15 February 2008 - 280 words
Algeria:
Catholic priest given jail sentence for praying
A Catholic priest in Algeria has been sentenced to a year in prison
for praying with Christians in Cameroon.
Middle East Concern reports that Father
Pierre Wallez is the first victim of legislation approved in March
2006, prohibiting anyone from leading a religious ceremony anywhere
without permission from the government in Algeria.
Algerian Archbishop Henri Teissier told Vatican Radio: "the
most surprising thing is that the conviction was issued simply
because the priest visited a group of Christians in Cameroon.
He had not celebrated Mass, but was only joining them in a prayer.
It was December 29, a little after Christmas."
A tribunal has now modified the sentence to parole. But Christians
in Algeria are concerned that their religious freedom is under
threat.
Freedom of worship is purportedly guaranteed by the constitution
of Algeria, but in recent months Christians there have faced increasing
harassment and a hostile campaign in the media. In the same trial
that sentenced Fr Wallez, a Muslim doctor was sentenced to two
years imprisonment for using medications supplied by the Catholic
Church's Caritas charity.
On 12 February three believers accused of insulting Islam were due to appear in court for sentencing. The case has been postponed to a later date, but delays often happen in such cases. The group been told they will be sentenced to three years in prison and fined 5,000 Euros.
Recently the government cancelled residency permits for Latin American Catholic priests working with Portuguese speaking African Christians in Algeria as migrant workers. Further requests made by the Catholic Church for visas for priests and other staff to visit Algeria are being systematically refused.
Middle East Concern say that Algerian Christians have requested readers' prayers.
Source: MEC
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